The stages of colon and rectal cancer
Staging and why it’s important.
When you’re diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer, your doctor needs to find out
how advanced the disease is, or how far it has spread. This important
part of your diagnosis is known as staging.
Colorectal cancer staging is important because:
- It tells how much cancer there is in your body and where it’s located
- It helps evaluate the prognosis
- Knowing the extent of the disease helps your doctor develop the right treatment
plan
- It gives your healthcare team a common language to talk about your treatment
The 4 stages of colon and rectal tumor growth.
Stage I colorectal cancer.
Cancer has grown through the first layer of the rectum into deeper layers but has
not spread outside the rectum itself.
Treatment.
Your treatment is most likely surgery.
The 4 stages of colon and rectal tumor growth.
Stage II colorectal cancer.
Cancer has spread beyond the original (primary) site, but there is no lymph node
involvement.
Treatment.
Treatment options are usually surgery, along with chemotherapy and radiation.
The 4 stages of colon and rectal tumor growth.
Stage III colorectal cancer.
Cancer has spread beyond the original (primary) site to nearby lymph nodes but not
to other parts of the body.
Treatment.
Your treatment options are usually surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
The 4 stages of colon and rectal tumor growth.
Stage IV colorectal cancer.
Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs or liver.
Treatment.
Your treatment options may include chemotherapy, surgery,
radiation, or a combination of them; as well as immunotherapy.
Learn about the risk factors
of colon and rectal cancer